Memorial Day welcomes us into the summer season with backyard barbeques, poolside parties, and get-togethers galore! Be prepared to welcome your guests with a couple of easy cocktails perfect for summer sipping.

We find our spirits in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at New York Distilling Company. The distillery produces two brilliant gins that will highlight your cocktail hour- Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin and Dorothy Parker American Gin. Different botanicals and alcoholic strengths separate these gins stylistically while they share an artisan spirit of New York City’s fascinating historical culture….

‘Tis the season for throwing holiday parties, and excellent cocktails add a level of sophistication to any festive gathering.

Creating your own cocktails, as opposed to using pre-made concoctions, will maximize both the hospitality offered to guests and the quality of the cocktail in hand. This doesn’t mean you have to spend all night as the bartender.

Mother’s Day is a time to give back to the ladies in our lives and I think the gift of a finely prepared cocktail is welcome at most homes.

We bookend the occasion with easy-to-make cocktails designed for the aperitif course and dessert course. The Cherry Jussara welcomes Spring time notions of açai berry, cherry, and citrus for a lovely start to the afternoon.

A decadent ending to dinner comes in the form of Nonna’s Coffee, a dessert martini of amaro, coffee liqueur, and whole milk….

Tipplers have their work cut out for them on May 5th! Cinco de Mayo AND Derby Day will be celebrated on the same day so what’s an imbiber to do?

Prepare yourself with a cocktail for each! Following are two cocktails- one a variation on the classic Margarita and one a tip of the cap to Derby Day circa 1940’s- perfect for the occasions at hand.

Our Mayan Temple Margarita is an eclectic mix of fruit and spirit. Siete Leguas Blanco Tequila is the star here, adding intense tropical tones and hearty spice to the cocktail.

Siete Leguas prides themselves on painstakingly slow, traditional methods in creating their spirit and it shows in the glass. The Blanco is joined by Rhum Clément Créole Shrubb Liqueur d’Orange, used instead of Triple Sec, along with St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Dolin Dry Vermouth, and fresh lime juice to balance of sweet and savory. Muddled golden pineapple and mint form the fresh and flavorful fruit base to the cocktail….

Everyone’s Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day! Armed with green garb and greener beer, many spend their St. Patty’s Day bar-hopping from pub to pub with a steady regiment of shots and Irish Car Bombs.

What about those who decide that gallons of beer and whiskey aren’t for them? How about a duo of easily prepared cocktails for a relaxed take on March 17th?

Following are two cocktails with rather different expressions. Both use Irish Whiskey and are suitable any time of the day and will pair easily with the typical fare of corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, and bangers and mash….

Holidays means two things for most of us: feasting and family! As far as feasting, the panoply of dishes at the holiday table usually has hosts and guests alike wondering what they should offer to drink.

While I believe wine is best for the meal (and all your wine concerns can be quelled with one of our holiday six-packs….merciless plug, I know!), following are two cocktails that will certainly make cocktail hour and dessert a delicious success.

As far as family is concerned, these offerings should put a smile on the faces of friends and family alike and calm the nerves so often associated with entertaining for the holidays! Both the Gingered Apple and Kentucky Toddy can be served before or after your holiday dinner.

“The Gingered Apple” brings together the sweeter tones of Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur and Red Jacket Orchards All Natural Apple Cider with the savory elements of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Dolin Dry Vermouth, and Regan’s Orange Bitters. The resultant cocktail is a balanced expression of autumnal yumminess! If you’re looking for a lighter expression of the ingredients it is best to shake in your cocktail shaker. If a stronger drink is desired, simply add ingredients to shaker, fill with ice, and stir instead of shaking to avoid dilution….

These Halloween Cocktails are perfect for pre and post Trick-or-Treating!

With Summer in the rear view and the chill of Autumn slowly creeping in, our cocktails, along with food and wine, take a turn for the heartier. And as the first of our Fall “holidays” approaches, I present two Halloween cocktails for the occasion: both treats with no bartending tricks necessary.

Whether you are a seasoned Trick-or-Treater who refuses to give up the tradition or are gearing up to take the kids around, these concoctions should add autumnal flair to the evening and throughout the season….